Chapter 11 Reunion

• When Timothy entered the outer hall, his gaze immediately landed on Lilian, who was standing a short distance away.
• She also noticed him at the exact moment he saw her.
• Their eyes locked, yet neither uttered a word for what felt like an eternity.
• Slowly, Timothy began to move toward her, each step deliberate and measured, as though he were approaching a sacred relic.
• Four years had slipped away since they last stood face to face. In that time, Lilian had transformed from a girl into a woman, shedding the naive innocence of youth and embracing grace and elegance that was both striking and profound.
• Her long, silky hair cascaded freely over her shoulders, framing a face of stunning beauty. She wore no makeup, yet her natural allure was radiant. It was a pure, unadorned beauty that exuded a serene and refreshing charm.
• Her eyes, deep and luminous, held an irresistible magnetic quality. They drew the gaze of anyone who looked into them, holding it captive with a calm, penetrating intensity that seemed to peer into the depths of one's soul.
• Her aura was nothing short of extraordinary as she exuded a presence that was as powerful as it was subtle. It enveloped her like an invisible cloak, commanding attention and respect from all who encountered her.
• Simply by standing there, she emitted a quiet force, akin to a snow lotus blooming atop a lofty mountain peak. Breathtaking in its beauty yet untouchable, evoking admiration from afar but instilling hesitation in those who might dare to approach.
• Her commanding presence nearly overshadowed her exquisite beauty and the alluring curves of her figure, leaving an indelible impression on all who saw her.
• As he continued his approach, he found himself absorbing every detail of her appearance, as if trying to commit her image to memory. Simultaneously, her eyes were fixed on him, taking in the man who was approaching her.
• Seeing him now, the man she had yearned for over the past four years, caused a fleeting moment of disorientation and a rush of emotions she struggled to contain.
• Just as her memory of him was anchored in the past, so too was his recollection of her.
• Four years earlier, he had been arrogant, proud, dismissive of everything around him, and carried himself with a youthful swagger and bravado.
• Now, he exuded an aura of calm and introspection. Those profound eyes of his seemed to tell countless stories, drawing people in without them realizing it.
• Timothy and Lilian captured the attention of everyone present. The couple’s remarkable compatibility, his poise, and her grace invited admiration and envy in equal measure.
• Naturally, the one most consumed by jealousy was Connor. He harbored a deep-seated love for her, one that had taken root in his very bones and refused to let go. On numerous occasions, he had urged his family to approach the Steele Family to propose, hoping to break the engagement between Timothy and Lilian.
• As the distance between Timothy and Lilian closed to just two meters, his lips curved into a gentle smile that was both warm and inviting. His arms opened wide in a gesture of welcome and affection, his voice soft yet resonant as he spoke to Lilian, "Lilian, it's been so long!"
• For a brief moment, she froze, as if caught in a dream she dared not believe. Then, her eyes welled up with tears that shimmered like stars, and without hesitation, she rushed into the arms of the man she had longed for day and night. She clung tightly to his waist as if afraid that letting go would cause him to vanish into thin air.
• "You're finally back. Do you know how much I've missed you?" At this moment, she abandoned her usual composure and strength in favor of a more delicate, feminine demeanor. Her voice trembled with the weight of emotions held back for too long.
• "I'm sorry. It's my fault for making you wait so long," he said, his heart aching for her as he gently released her and reached out to wipe the tears from her face with the back of his hand.
• "No... you have nothing to apologize for!" She shook her head vigorously, her gaze unwavering and filled with determination. "I swore in front of your parents' graves that in this life, I would marry no one but you, Timothy. No matter how long it takes, I will wait for you to come and marry me..."
• Deeply moved by her unwavering devotion, he felt immensely grateful and humbled by her love. With a wife like her, what more could he ask for? He promised earnestly, "I will give you the grandest, most spectacular wedding the world has ever seen. Trust me, that day is not far off!"
• "I look forward to it!" she replied, her tears giving way to a radiant smile as she nestled once more into his embrace. Her stunning face was alight with happiness, and her eyes sparkled like jewels.
• The two seemed oblivious to everyone else around them, lost in their own world as they held each other. This display of affection was not well-received by his relatives, who watched with increasing discontent.
• "Timothy, can you tell me what happened over these four years—"
• "Old Mr. Robert!"
• Just as she was about to ask him where he had been all this time, they were interrupted by a voice calling from afar. Simon's urgent voice echoed, calling for Timothy with a sense of urgency that could not be ignored.
• Simon hurried to Robert's side and leaned in close to whisper a few hurried words. As he spoke, his gaze flickered nervously toward Timothy, and then he swiftly turned and dashed back the way he had come.
• Robert's face flushed with worry, and he clutched at his eldest son's sleeve, imploring, "Quickly, help me to my Dad's room!"
• Hector, who had overheard fragments of the conversation, did not hesitate. Without a word, he moved to support Robert and guided her with quick, purposeful steps toward Kevin's room.
• Meanwhile, the rest of the family members stood there, bewildered, completely in the dark about what was happening. Even Timothy was at a loss.
• Just as they attempted to make their way toward Kevin's room to find out more, they were intercepted by the Lavette Family servants. The servants, with stern expressions, informed them that Kevin had issued a direct order barring anyone from entering. The command was unequivocal, and no one dared challenge it, including Timothy. The family could only wait anxiously along the corridor leading to Kevin's room, hoping for news.
• …
• Inside Kevin's room.
• Only Simon, Robert, and Hector entered his room. The room, previously occupied only by Kevin, now also held a senior doctor, who was his personal physician.
• At this moment, the doctor’s face was etched with concern as he worked swiftly and administered an injection to Kevin. After the injection, he methodically checked his condition with a stethoscope and a medical flashlight.
• The atmosphere in the room was tense and silent, except for the occasional, labored cough from Kevin.
• A few minutes later, the doctor, looking somewhere weary, turned his gaze to the elderly man lying in the hospital bed and gently shook his head. "Old Mr. Robert, your father's age has finally caught up with him..."
• Zachary Howie spoke with careful ambiguity, having already determined that Kevin's vital organs were severely weakened and nearing failure. His central nervous system was suppressed, and his life signs were steadily declining. Various indicators pointed to the grim reality that the end was approaching.
• "What are you saying, Dr. Howie? How can this be happening?" Robert's voice was laced with desperation as he clutched the doctor's sleeve in agitation.
• Zachary, too, felt a profound sadness. Having cared for Kevin for so many years, he had developed a deep bond with him. Yet, he knew that this moment was inevitable, that everyone would eventually face this final journey.
• "Robert... Robert..." Before Robert could press Zachary further, Kevin called out to him in a voice so faint it was nearly inaudible.
• "Dad, Dad..." Robert quickly leaned in closer to position himself beside Kevin's bed.
• "You... unfilial son..." Kevin whispered, each word a struggle, his breath shallow and labored. "You've mismanaged the Lavette Family... allowed it to descend into chaos... brothers fighting among themselves... you bear full responsibility..."
• "Dad, I..." Robert's voice broke, his mind scrambling for words to defend himself, but nothing came. He felt the weight of his father's disappointment pressing down on him like a heavy shroud.
• "A family must stand united... thrive and suffer together... but you... you're shortsighted... only concerned with immediate gains..."
• At this point, Kevin's words faltered, and it seemed that he didn't have much strength to continue his reprimand.
• "The Lavette family owes Timothy and Aria's family an apology... after I pass away... you must publicly declare at my funeral... that Timothy will be... the next head of the Lavette Family..."
• Cough, cough, cough.
• He broke into a fit of coughing again and didn't say anything else.
• Hearing Kevin's words, Robert's face turned ashen, as did Hector.